Pedicabs & Markets

Jump on board a Ho Chi Minh pedicabs (cyclo) for an adventure winding through the sights, sounds and smells of this historic metropolis. Whiz past Tao Dan Park en route to the War Remnants Museum, and then pedal past the Reunification Palace before touring the ornate Notre Dame Cathedral. Leaving the cyclos behind wander through local markets for an insight into local life.

Dress standard:
Dress standards are conservative throughout Asia, especially outside major cities. To respect this and for your own comfort, we strongly recommend modest clothing. This means clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and cool in the predominantly hot Asian climate.

Child policy:Children must be between 6 and 11 years of age inclusive.

Language: English

Also runs during Tet HolidayItinerary:
Our transport for the first half of today is a traditional cyclo (pedicab, pronounced “see-klo”), a three wheeled bicycle with a carriage at the front for the passenger to sit in, while the driver uses pedal power to power us along. This allows us to take in the sights, sounds and smells of Ho Chi Minh City without the barrier of a car window or the sound of an engine, very environmentally friendly.

Our journey takes us through Tao Dan Park to the War Remnants Museum, originally opened in September 1975, the museum displays old military equipment and other related items from the Vietnam War. In the courtyard we will find some larger exhibits including a F5A fighter and a UH1-Huey helicopter. From here we continue our journey past the Reunification Palace, previously referred to as the Presidential Palace, it is the sight of the official South Vietnamese surrender on April 30th, 1975. We will not go into the palace however our local guide will provide you with information and a chance to take come photographs.

Leaving our cyclos and cyclo drivers behind we walk to the Notre Dame Cathedral, built by the French during the colonial era. It and our next destination, the General Post Office, are fine examples of architecture from the colonial period.

We meet our cyclos again and ride to the Saigon Opera House and City Hall, situated in the centre of Ho Chi Minh city where scenes from the movie “The Quiet Amercian” were filmed, not far from the Opera House we will find the Continental Hotel where Graham Greene, amongst other famous journalists and writers, called home during their stays in Vietnam.

We leave our cyclos behind at the intersection of Ton That Dam St. & Huynh ThucKhang St. and dive into a real local food market. Continuing we explore antique shop street and shoe street.

Our final visit for the day is the Ben Thanh market where your local guide will assist you in getting a taxi back to your hotel or alternatively you are free to continue exploring the area. Why not practice your bargaining skills in the Ben Thanh market. The markets original location was close to the Ben Nghe River and the old fort of GiaDinh was where it derived its name (Ben meaning “pier” and Thanh meaning “Fort”). The market was destroyed in 1859 during the French invasion of Saigon. It was rebuilt and later moved to its present location in 1899.

At the end of the trip you are free to continue exploring the area or your guide will assist you in getting a taxi back to your hotel.

Your trip:This trip is offered on a “join-in” basis. Maximum group size is 12.

Tipping:
If you are happy with the services provided by your local guides and drivers a tip – though not compulsory – is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many other destinations. Please consider this when budgeting for your extra expenses on this tour.

Highlights:

Experience Ho Chi Minh City from a cyclo

Relive the American War at the War Remnants Museum

Marvel at the graceful Reunification Palace and Notre Dame Cathedral

See the historic Opera House

City Hall and Continental Hotel

Practise bargaining skills at Ben Thanh market

Visit a hidden monastery in the center of Saigon

View Saigon’s ancient citadel hill

Visit one of our favorite bakeries

Recall the famous movie spots(remember all those movies filmed in Saigon?)